The Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO) has stepped up efforts to end hunger and poverty in West Africa following the introduction of a new crop meant to contribute to National and Global food security.

The crop, known as Quinoa, is described as a highly nutritious food crop that can survive in a variety of growing conditions. Quinoa also has a high potential to contribute to regional and global food security due to its nutritional characteristics and agronomical versatility.

According to the FAO, Quinoa is the only food plant that offers all essential amino acids, trace elements and vitamins in a healthy balance and also gluten free.

Similarly, the crop can be an important alternative, especially to populations that have no access to adequate sources of protein. FAO characterised Quinoa as one of humanity's most promising crop relative to the fact it is the answer to the myriad of problems of human nutrition.

At a regional training of trainers' workshop in Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, Dr Lamourdia Thiombiano, FAO Regional Representative for Africa, said the benefits of the Quinoa crop have been established with some evidence, demonstrating its potential for hunger and poverty reduction at national , regional and global levels.

Dr Thiombiano indicated that the demand for the crop had risen in recent times as a result of it nutritious nature, resulting in a mad rush for its cultivation in over 70 countries across the globe.

“The demand for Quinoa continues to increase and as a result, the price of US $3,200 per ton in 2013. This could create a huge opportunity for African countries if the risks associated to its production are well managed,” he added.

The workshop, he said, was planned to increase capacity at country level to develop and support Quinoa initiative in the selected West Africa countries.

The three- day workshop which ended yesterday was attended by research and extension workers from seven West African countries, namely, Ghana, Togo, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.

The Director of Crop Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr Asante Krobea , expressed optimism about the success of Quinoa production in the country, adding, “I know Quinoa will do well as we are blessed with five ecological zones in Ghana .”

Mr Krobea added, “It is hoped that the project assists stakeholders in developing national and regional sustainability strategies for production, as well as integration of Quinoa in the Prevailing cropping patterns and farming systems.”

He however advised that because the crop was new in the sub- region and Ghana in particular, it would be prudent to test the suitability of the crop in all the agro-ecologies, using the various research institutes and agricultural stations.

FAO is an agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.

It is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition to modernise and improve upon agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.